Riders race into mountain bike review
Date published: 10 September 2020
The Townsville community has responded enthusiastically to Council’s survey regarding the city’s mountain bike facilities.
Sport and Recreation Committee chairperson Maurie Soars said more than 550 people responded to Council’s mountain bike survey, the second-highest response rate on Council’s Have Your Say platform this year.
“Mountain bike riders cover a broad spectrum of the community, ranging from elite riders to excited kids taking the big step up to a larger bike,” Cr Soars said.
“This consultation gives us important information to develop the Townsville Mountain Bike Strategy, which will provide a strategic direction for the future.
“People have highlighted areas for improvement as part of the 10-year strategy – they’ve asked for easier trails for beginners and better facilities in popular areas.
“It is exciting to think about the difference this strategy can make – people said a lack of confidence kept them off their bikes so some less challenging trails would encourage more people to exercise.
”Some respondents also told us they’re happy to donate towards a fund to maintain the trails, so it’s a good sign that people are willing to invest in their sport and their health.”
Councillor Ann-Maree Greaney’s division includes the popular trails at Pallarenda and Magnetic Island.
“People asked us about the future expansion of the sport and a lot of riders identified Magnetic Island as an area to explore,” Cr Greaney said.
“Riders are also keen for us to look for options on Mount Stuart and Castle Hill.
“The development of tracks on these landmarks could boost tourism – visitors could enjoy the picturesque trails at Pallarenda and then back up the next day to take in the views from another Townsville landmark.”
Council will have another consultation stage late this year with a view to finalising the strategy in the new year.
